NEWS
NBC Issues Strong Warning, Says Broadcast Presenters to Face Sanctions for Bias, Bullying Guests, and Presenting Opinions as Facts Amid Rising Violations of Nigeria Broadcasting Code
The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a firm warning to broadcast presenters and media houses across Nigeria, stating that any presenter who presents personal opinions as facts, intimidates guests, or engages in on-air bullying will henceforth face regulatory sanctions.
The commission expressed concern over what it described as a growing disregard for professional broadcasting standards, particularly across news, current affairs, and political programmes.
In a statement released on Friday, the regulatory body said it has observed an alarming increase in violations of the sixth edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
“The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has identified a sustained increase in breaches of the 6th Edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code across News, Current Affairs, and Political Programmes,” the statement reads.
It further noted that several broadcast platforms are increasingly being used in ways that deviate from their fundamental responsibility to the public.
“Broadcast platforms are increasingly being deployed in ways that depart from their core obligation to inform the public with accuracy, balance, and professionalism.”
According to the NBC, the trend shows that some presenters and programme anchors are no longer adhering strictly to the principles of neutrality, fairness, and equal representation of opposing views during broadcasts. The commission warned that such conduct undermines the integrity of the media space and the public’s right to balanced information.
It added that fair hearing is being denied in some instances, while presenters allegedly compromise neutrality in their delivery of content.
“Henceforth, any anchor or presenter found to have expressed personal opinion as fact, bullied or intimidated a guest, denied fair hearing to opposing views, or otherwise compromised neutrality, shall be deemed to have committed a Class B breach,” NBC said.
The commission also raised alarm over what it described as the growing misuse of broadcast platforms by political actors, who allegedly use airtime to promote divisive narratives, inflammatory statements, and unverified claims.
NBC reiterated that broadcast stations remain fully accountable for all content aired, including live programmes, stressing that responsibility cannot be shifted to guests or third-party contributors.
It further emphasized that regulatory enforcement will now be strengthened, particularly in relation to hate speech, incitement, and lack of balanced reporting.
The commission warned that any violation of the broadcasting code in these areas will attract strict sanctions going forward.
Reaffirming its stance, the NBC called on all broadcasters in the country to uphold professionalism, fairness, and accuracy in their operations, especially as Nigeria moves into a sensitive electoral period.
It cautioned that the broadcast space must not be allowed to become a platform for misinformation, political hostility, or unverified narratives that could threaten national cohesion.